Decoding TV

By Decoding TV

David Chen and Patrick Klepek discuss everything going on in the world of TV, with recaps and reviews of the most interesting shows on the air.

Hosted on Acast. See

... more

· TV & Film

4.4

18361,836 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Decoding TV:

How many episodes does Decoding TV have?

The podcast currently has 326 episodes available.

Decoding TV episodes:

January 23, 2026Ep. 96 - In 'The Pitt' S2E03, Things Are Not As They Seem (Plus: Initial Thoughts on 'Wonder Man')
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episodes of The Pitt and Fallout.
What are our initial thoughts on Wonder Man and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? What’s going on with the FCC’s efforts to enforce equal time provisions? Will Netflix be the only entertainment company left standing? And how long will it take for CBS Evening News to get run into the ground? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
The Pitt Season 2 Episode 4 (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 7 (Prime Video)
Wonder Man (however many episodes you want to, Disney+)
Shownotes:
03:45 - Initial thoughts on Wonder Man and Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
15:30 - TV News
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms pulls in 6.7mm viewers in first 3 days
The Abandons and Vince Staple Show both canceled
Netflix crosses 325 million subscribers
FCC Takes Aim at Political Interviews on Late-Night and Daytime Shows
A plethora of Bari Weiss profiles
49:30 - The Pitt Season 2
Episode 3 - 9:00 A.M.
1:26:00 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 6 - The Other Player
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 46min
January 16, 2026Ep. 95 - 'The Pitt' S2E02 Tests How Okay You Are With Needles
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episodes of The Pitt and Fallout.
Are Tony Dokoupil’s CBS News ratings disastrous or merely bad? What’s the latest with Netflix’s attempted takeover of American culture? And what our big takeaways from George R. R. Martin’s recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
The Pitt Season 2 Episode 3 (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 6 (Prime Video)
Shownotes:
03:45 - TV News
Tony Dokoupil’s ratings are bad
Netflix switches to all-cash bid amid trump accusations of Cultural Takeover (and Ted’s response)
First Look: Sophie Turner as Lara Croft and Ryan Hurst cast as Kratos
Euphoria Season 3 Trailer and Release Date (April 12)
Prime Video’s new Fallout shelter reality series
Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 2 is back on track
George RR Martin’s interview with THR
1:00:33 - The Pitt Season 2
Episode 2 - 8:00 A.M.
1:34:45 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 5 - The Wrangler
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 50min
January 15, 2026 Bonus Ep: Why 'Heated Rivalry' Is Such a Big Deal (feat. Valentina Vee)
In this Decoding TV bonus episode, David is joined by filmmaker and cinematographer Valentina Vee to discuss the first season of Heated Rivalry on HBO Max.

Why has this show become a phenomenon? Why are women “feral” for the show? And why is it significant to the LGBTQ+ community in Russia and around the world? Listen to hear us discuss these questions and more.

Check out some of Valentina’s videos on Tiktok and Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
52min
January 09, 2026Ep. 94 - 'The Pitt' Season 2 Has So Much Confidence (feat. Sarah Marrs)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the season 2 premiere of The Pitt and season 2 episode 4 of Fallout.
Was there a secret final episode of Stranger Things all along? How’s the new CBS Evening News broadcast going these days? And who do we think will win the very first Legacy Award Emmy? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
The Pitt Season 2 Episode 2 (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 5 (Prime Video)
Shownotes:
03:04 - TV News
‘Stranger Things 5’ Becomes Netflix’s No. 9 Most Popular English-Language Series of All Time With 105.7 Million Views So Far
The Pitt renewed for Season 3
‘The Lowdown’ Renewed for Season 2 at FX and Hulu
Emmys announce Legacy Award
Tony Dokoupil’s ‘CBS Evening News’ Debut Included a Big Flub, but You Won’t See It on Streaming — Here’s Why
29:38 - Stranger Things season 5 finale discussion
Conformity Gate
46:15 The Pitt Season 2
Episode 1 - 7:00 A.M.
1:53:40 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 4 - The Demon in the Snow
Links:
Check out Sarah Marrs’ work at Lainey Gossip
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
2h 16min
January 02, 2026Ep. 93 - Unpacking Your Theories and Reactions to Pluribus Season 1 (Plus: 'Fallout' Feels Like It's Spinning Its Wheels So Far)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss your reactions to season 1 of Pluribus. Then, it’s time to catch up with Fallout Season 2.
What would we ask the Hive if we had the chance? What are our predictions for season 2 of Pluribus? And how is Fallout handling major lore like the Brotherhood of Steel? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
The Pitt Season 2 premiere (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 4 (Prime Video)
Shownotes:
15:45 - Pluribus
Unpacking your theories and reactions to season 1
1:13:23 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 3 - The Profligate
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 41min
December 24, 2025Bonus Ep: Did the 'Pluribus' Season Finale Stick the Landing?
In this bonus episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the Pluribus season 1 finale. Was this a satisfying conclusion to this season of television? What are the biggest payoffs from the episode? And what are we looking forward to in season 2?
We’ll be back next week with more thoughta on Fallout season 2, plus your reactions/theories/comments on the Pluribus finale!
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
59min
December 19, 2025Ep. 92 - It's Fun to Be Back in the World of 'Fallout' (S2 Premiere) Again. PLUS: Pluribus S1E08 Puts Characters on a Collision Course
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the eighth episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus and the season 2 premiere of Fallout.
The Oscars are moving to YouTube! What does this mean, exactly? Why did our respect for David Zaslav go up this week? And Pluribus is the most-watched show on Apple TV, but please do not ask any follow up questions. Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Pluribus Episode 9 (Apple TV)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 2 (Prime Video)
Shownotes:
03:04 - TV News
Oscars Bolts from ABC to YouTube Starting in 2029
Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount $30/Share Offer
Pluribus is most watched show on Apple TV ever
30:40 - Pluribus
Episode 8 - Charm Offensive
1:17:23 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 1 - The Innovator
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 38min
December 12, 2025Ep. 91 - 'Pluribus' S1E07 Might Be Its Most Effective Episode Yet
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the seventh episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus.
What is our reaction to the big news that Netflix might acquire Warner Bros? Do we think Paramount can release 30 movies per year? Is David Ellison really just Kendall Roy? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Pluribus Episode 8 (Apple TV)
Fallout Season 2 Premiere (Prime Video)
Shownotes:
06:00 - TV News
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros for $72 billion of equity value.
Hostile takeover bid from Paramount
Netflix says it will shorten theatrical windows
Paramount commits to 30 films per year
David Ellison’s embarrassing text
The Verge did a feature on the guy operating the vomit machine
Did a Pluribus ad trigger someone’s psychotic episode
54:00 - Pluribus
Episode 7 - The Gap
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 43min
December 05, 2025Ep. 90 - What 'Pluribus' S1E06 Has In Common with 'Notting Hill'
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the sixth episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus.
Are we going to try to see the Stranger Things finale in theaters? What does the HBO Max/Mad Men debacle say about the world of streaming entertainment? Will Apple TV ever be able to stop pulling shows from its lineup? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Pluribus Episode 7 (Apple TV)
Shownotes:
04:30 - TV News
Stranger Things 5 Scores Netflix’s Second Biggest Premiere Ever for a Series
‘Stranger Things’ Finale
HBO Max’s Mad Men 4K release is the opposite of a remaster
Todd Vaziri’s analysis
The Hunt pulled from Apple TV for plagiarism allegations
Far Cry series is a go at FX with Rob Mac and Noah Hawley
43:30 - Pluribus
Episode 6 - HDP
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 39min
November 26, 2025Bonus Ep: 'Pluribus' S1E05 Makes Us Wonder Where This Show Is Going
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss the fifth episode of Pluribus on Apple TV, ‘Got Milk.’
We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving this week! This year, we are grateful for all your support and listenership.
Homework for next week:
Pluribus Episode 6 (Apple TV)
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap Radio
Subscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, Crossplay
Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube
Follow this podcast on Instagram
Follow this podcast on Tiktok
Subscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding Everything
Follow David on Instagram
Follow David on Tiktok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h

FAQs about Decoding TV:

How many episodes does Decoding TV have?

The podcast currently has 326 episodes available.

More shows like Decoding TV

Filmspotting by Filmspotting

Filmspotting

3,965 Listeners

The Filmcast by The Filmcast

The Filmcast

3,608 Listeners

Fighting In The War Room: A Movies And Pop Culture Podcast by Katey, Matt, Da7e and David

Fighting In The War Room: A Movies And Pop Culture Podcast

1,002 Listeners

The Next Picture Show by Genevieve Koski, Keith Phipps, Tasha Robinson & Scott Tobias

The Next Picture Show

790 Listeners

DLC by DLC

DLC

1,103 Listeners

Bald Move Pulp by Bald Move

Bald Move Pulp

1,096 Listeners

Bald Move Prestige by Bald Move

Bald Move Prestige

897 Listeners

A Storm of Spoilers by Dave Gonzales and Neil Miller

A Storm of Spoilers

2,277 Listeners

The Watch by The Ringer

The Watch

5,440 Listeners

Blank Check with Griffin & David by Blank Check Productions

Blank Check with Griffin & David

6,184 Listeners

Unspooled by Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson | Realm

Unspooled

4,752 Listeners

The Big Picture by The Ringer

The Big Picture

5,751 Listeners

The Ringer-Verse by The Ringer

The Ringer-Verse

3,206 Listeners

The Prestige TV Podcast by The Ringer

The Prestige TV Podcast

1,707 Listeners

House of R by The Ringer

House of R

3,242 Listeners